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Chapter 100
I Only Trusted the Saintess
Spreading rumors wasn’t all that difficult.
Since word was already going around that I was behind this whole affair, people were naturally eager for the next juicy piece of gossip.
The more sensational the gossip, the easier it spreads.
Just as stories about an evil woman jealous of the saintess were stimulating, so were tales about a saintess jealous of an evil woman. Unlike me, who had nothing left to lose, the saintess had everything to lose.
And the sources were abundant — I hardly even needed to make anything up.
To be honest, as I spread the details myself, I began to think the saintess might actually be doing this on purpose.
It’s too convenient to be coincidence — the situations she shows up in are far too deliberate.
Especially when I remembered the young Estella I had once seen — it made me even more uneasy.
There’s definitely some connection between the supposedly dead Estella and me.
Maybe that was the curse that had been tormenting me all along without my knowing.
I took the saintess’s hand gently and comforted her.
“Don’t worry, Lady Saintess. It’s just a ridiculous rumor, nothing more.”
“Y-yes… you’re right.”
The saintess nodded faintly, her clear blue eyes staring deep into mine — calm like a lake.
“But still, I’d like to find out how such a rumor even started.”
Just from her gaze, it was clear — she already considered me the culprit.
Should I call it fascinating… or pathetic?
From the very first time I met her, I’d found the saintess uncomfortable to be around. Not simply because she’d harmed me or reminded me of the annoying Estella.
It’s just that I could never sense malice from her.
Having spent my life surrounded by malice, I could recognize it easily. But Stella — she had no ill will toward me, and yet somehow always managed to make me feel uneasy.
So I’d been unsure how to treat her…
Now, I wonder why I even bothered thinking about it.
Maybe it was because things hadn’t gone as she wanted, but now, I could finally sense malice from the saintess.
“To verify it? But can we really trace the origin of a rumor no one knows who started?”
Feigning ignorance, I tilted my head. The saintess answered firmly.
“Yes. I’ll find out. And when I do, the ringleader behind this will be punished — in the name of the Holy Kingdom.”
“Wouldn’t it be too hasty to talk about punishment already? We don’t even know if it was just a misunderstanding.”
The more aggressively she spoke, the more I pretended to back down, as if trying to reason with her gently.
“As someone who’s always shown compassion and forgiveness, wouldn’t it be better to handle this with a bit more grace?”
“If this were just a personal matter, I would. Believe me, my heart isn’t at ease either.”
The saintess sighed deeply, but the pride flickering in those blue eyes didn’t dim.
“But this isn’t just about me. These rumors not only stain my name as the saintess, but also defile the Holy Kingdom, and even the name of the goddess Athea herself. That’s something I cannot let pass.”
At that, the emperor — who’d been quietly observing us — finally spoke.
“Indeed. As the saintess of the Holy Kingdom, that’s not something easily overlooked.”
“Thank you for understanding, Your Majesty.”
The saintess bowed gracefully to the emperor, then turned to me with a sweet smile.
“Then, how about letting Duchess Blanchet assist with the investigation? Considering her close involvement, and our friendship, I’m sure she’ll be of great help.”
“Duchess Blanchet?” the emperor repeated.
“Yes. Since she’s closely related to the incident, her participation would be fitting.”
The saintess smiled at me — a small, knowing smile that seemed to say:
Did you really think you could outmatch me?
She must’ve been planning to push me into investigating myself, only for me to be “discovered” as the true culprit and destroyed publicly.
Well, I don’t exactly have many connections in high society, so she probably thinks I’ll fail miserably.
Logically, I should’ve refused.
The emperor looked at me with mild curiosity.
“And what does the duchess think?”
“Ah… Your Majesty.”
I stalled, pretending to hesitate.
“I’m not sure I’m capable of taking on such a grave responsibility.”
“Duchess, don’t belittle yourself. You’re more than capable,” the saintess said kindly, squeezing my hand.
“If you’re truly uncertain, I’ll personally assist you to make sure everything goes smoothly. Please, won’t you accept?”
“I too think it’s a fine idea,” the emperor agreed. “Do give it serious consideration.”
“If it’s Your Majesty’s and the saintess’s wish… then yes.”
She squeezed my hand tighter. I matched her grip, pressing back hard.
“I’ll do it.”
Then, turning to the emperor, I brightened as if an idea had just struck me.
“Actually, I just thought of something perfect!”
“Oh? What is it?”
“To make sure nothing is overlooked, I propose holding an imperial trial.”
The saintess’s confident expression faltered; her eyes widened slightly. She quickly interjected,
“Isn’t that a bit excessive? I understand your enthusiasm, but an imperial trial for something not even involving royalty seems too much.”
“Don’t worry. Fortunately, this case involves His Highness Prince Carlos as well, doesn’t it?”
I smiled sweetly.
“Besides, Princess Diana’s arrest was on charges of insulting the imperial family. That makes this matter related to imperial defamation, doesn’t it? I think an imperial trial is entirely appropriate.”
An imperial trial was held only when major incidents involving the imperial family occurred. Because such cases often implicated high nobility, the process was thorough and the verdict absolute.
And once a verdict is given in an imperial trial — it cannot be overturned.
It would expose far more than if I, someone with little social influence, conducted a simple investigation.
“But if we do that, there won’t be much left for you to do personally, Duchess,” she countered.
“I agree,” said the emperor, fixing his golden eyes on me.
“The Empire is already preparing for the saintess’s purification ceremony and the upcoming hunting ball. Holding a trial now could cause public unrest.”
Hearing the emperor take her side, the saintess spoke with feigned regret.
“Even His Majesty says so. I appreciate your intention, Duchess, but an imperial trial might be too disruptive.”
“Then, Your Holiness — are you saying you agree to an imperial trial in principle?”
“I entrusted the investigation to you, Duchess. Of course, I trust your judgment.”
“Then that’s settled.”
Before the saintess could protest further, I turned politely to the emperor.
“Your Majesty, if Princess Diana’s case alone isn’t enough justification, then both the saintess and I shall stand trial together.”
“The saintess and you — together?”
“Yes. The reason the imperial name has been dragged into this mess is because of both of us. So if we’re both tried openly, won’t that resolve all suspicions?”
The emperor rested his chin on his hand, studying me.
“I just told you I fear unrest among the people. And now you propose a trial that will only magnify the commotion?”
“But Your Majesty, proceeding with public events while these rumors spread will not calm the people’s unease — it will worsen it. Holding an imperial trial will clarify everything under Your Majesty’s authority and restore order.”
Even though I’d planned this, speaking it aloud before the emperor and saintess made my heart race.
“By decisively resolving this under Your Majesty’s name, the Empire’s peace will be restored more effectively.”
I forced a serene smile.
“Thankfully, the saintess herself said she trusts me. If it were only me on trial, fairness might be questioned — but with both of us, justice will be seen by all.”
“Duchess, I…”
“This is all thanks to you, Lady Saintess. I’m so happy that we can prove our friendship before everyone while revealing the truth together. You feel the same, don’t you?”
The saintess’s eyes flickered rapidly.
“But Duchess, don’t you think this is a bit too hasty—?”
Seeing her composure crack filled me with deep satisfaction.
Judging by that look on her face, I must be doing wonderfully.
The saintess released my hand and pressed her chest, appealing to the emperor.
“Your Majesty, while I appreciate the duchess’s heart, something this serious must be discussed carefully with others before deciding.”
“Indeed,” the emperor mused. “An imperial trial involves many nobles.”
“Yes. I must also report this to the cardinal. Even as a saintess, I can’t decide this alone. You understand, don’t you, Duchess?”
Her eyes glinted subtly as she sought a lifeline. I kept smiling.
“Oh, you don’t need to worry about that.”
“…What?”
“You yourself said this rumor disgraces not only you but the Holy Kingdom, and even the name of the goddess Athea.”
I’d endured her self-righteous speech just for this moment.
“There’s no way the Holy Kingdom would oppose something concerning the honor of their god.”
“B-but we still need the approval of the nobles—”
The saintess glanced desperately at the emperor. But the emperor, who had seemed on her side moments ago, spoke with authority.
“Saintess, there’s no need to worry about that.”
“Pardon?”
“I’ll take care of the arrangements myself — fairly.”
Her face paled instantly.
“Y-Your Majesty…”
“Chancellor Orteca, ensure that the imperial trial concerning this case is held immediately after the saintess’s purification ritual.”
I exchanged a secret look with the emperor.
Good thing I made that deal in advance.
When setting a trap, it’s best to have key players on your side beforehand.
She should’ve realized the moment the emperor summoned her — this was already in motion.
✦ ✦ ✦
When I heard the full story from Queen Regent Isabella, I’d made up my mind — I needed the emperor on my side.
The saintess has Prince Carlos behind her.
So I had to ally with someone powerful enough to counter the prince. With Johann’s help, I arranged a private meeting with the emperor.
“Duchess Blanchet wishes to speak with me?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I met his golden gaze and spoke elegantly.
“I would like Your Majesty to summon the saintess.”
“To summon the saintess?”
The emperor’s eyes narrowed.
“And why should I do that?”
“Because…”
I smiled calmly.
“…I know where the treasure Your Majesty seeks is hidden.”
That treasure I’d once glimpsed hanging from his belt — that would be my bargaining chip.
I may not know exactly where it is… but I do know how badly he wants it.
The emperor’s brows furrowed.
“The treasure I covet? Ridiculous. What do you take me for, Duchess?”
“You mean you truly don’t recall?”
“Even if I did — do you, a vassal, dare propose a deal with your emperor?”
I held his gaze, unflinching.
“The Imperial Seal — the cracked one.”
“……!”
“How long were you planning to hide the fact that it’s missing, Your Majesty?”
Naturally, our “deal” was struck without issue. After all, it was not something the emperor could ignore.
✦ ✦ ✦
Cardinal Simon came to see the saintess.
“Saintess, what on earth have you done at the imperial palace? An imperial trial?!”
“Ah… Cardinal Simon.”
The saintess greeted him weakly, her face pale. But even her frail appearance couldn’t calm his fury.
“His Holiness the Pope is outraged by your unilateral actions! Not only did you misuse the seal, but you also agreed to stand trial at the imperial court?!”
The cardinal had intended to use this opportunity to finally rein in her independent behavior — but her reaction was nothing like what he expected.
“Then… what should I do?”
Her tone was sorrowful.
“I only did as the Lord guided me to.”
“…Are you saying God commanded you to act this way?”
The saintess nodded, looking pained.
“As you know, Cardinal, divine will is often beyond human understanding. I grieve for that as well. But I could do nothing but follow the goddess Athea’s guidance.”
Cardinal Simon pressed his temples.
“Oh, Athea, why do you test me so…?”
At that moment, a young noblewoman burst into the room, panicked.
“Saintess! What am I supposed to do now?!”
As if things weren’t bad enough, Lady Luigi rushed in, her face tear-streaked.
“What is it, Lady Luigi?” the saintess asked tiredly.
“Duke Blanchet filed a lawsuit against me, saying I insulted the duchess!”
Luigi wailed.
“And he even wrote that you, the saintess, will testify as a witness! What am I supposed to do? I trusted you!”
Listening to Luigi’s frantic cries, Stella — the saintess — felt her mind spiral into chaos.
What in the world is happening…?
